Mornings, you either love them or loathe them. Personally, we love a morning routine.
Life can feel a little crazy in the mornings but getting up even a few minutes before everyone else in your household can allow you to cross a few things off your 'to do' list and put you one step ahead of the game.
Move it or lose it
If you struggle to fit in daily exercise then make mornings yours and pound the pavement while the family snooze. Set an alarm, have your clothes and shoes laid out and just do it! Other gentle morning routines can also include a morning exercise class, stretching, body buffing, meditation, journalling, a quick podcast and even some time on the yoga mat.
Meal times matter.
If you skip breakfast because there's not enough time then get out of bed a few minutes earlier or try meal planning. If you need the energy hit but don't have time then a quality smoothie with a hit of protein might be for you.
You can prepare Bircher muesli or overnight oats the night before, boil an egg or even chop fruit. Being prepared will mean less fuss (and mess) and more time for mindful eating.
Take some time to take some time.
Sometimes early morning routine don't need to be about 'doing', sometimes it's all about 'being'. Being present, being mindful and creating calm are a bloody good way to start the day. Once your eyes are open try to get some sunshine on your eyeballs. Get out into the garden and water your plants or take a few minutes on the porch with a cuppa.
Don't ever feel guilt over taking time to just do nothing, the game of life is not always measured on results.
You could even start the morning with a short guided meditation, set some goals or write a list of what the day will entail, all great ways to get the day started on a positive/productive note
Kids come with chaos.
Kid wrangling in the morning is a real thing, lost shoes, mismatched socks, knotty hair and arguments over homework can send mornings into meltdown, we've been there. Preparation is vital to keeping mornings running smoothly.
Make the lunches and check the homework the night before. Have good storage and organisational systems for uniforms and other clothes like socks and school jumpers. Teach the kids where everything 'lives' and to look there before asking you to turn into Sherlock hunting down their crap.
Teaching older kids to make their own lunches and introducing morning chores can lighten your load PLUS you are creating useful independant humans. Set some chores (now) as part of their morning routine.
Plan your outfits.
Taking some time to plan what you will wear during the week will not only give you back time in the mornings, you will also confidently face the day with less stress and more confidence.
Hang your complete outfits along with accessories on a rack or hook ready to wear. Your outfit choices can be flexible, if you wake up one day and the weather has changed or you just don't feel like wearing the planned outfit then swap it out for something suitable.
We hope these tips help you master your mornings!